ASIC RG 178 — ASIC Regulatory Guide – RG 178 Foreign collective investment schemes

Page 1 REGULATORY GUIDE 178 Foreign collective investment schemes November 2024 About this guide This guide is for operators of foreign collective investment schemes (FCIS) that are authorised in other jurisdictions and wish to operate an FCIS in Australia. It explains when we may exercise some of our exemption and modification powers under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act) to grant relief to FCIS operators from registration, licensing and certain product disclosure requirements. It does not cover the mutual recognition arrangements for FCIS operators under the trans-Tasman mutual recognition scheme or the Asia Region Funds Passport. Page 2 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 2 About ASIC regulatory documents In administering legislation ASIC issues the following types of regulatory documents. Consultation papers: seek feedback from stakeholders on matters ASIC is considering, such as proposed relief or proposed regulatory guidance. Regulatory guides: give guidance to regulated entities by:  explaining when and how ASIC will exercise specific powers under legislation (primarily the Corporations Act)  explaining how ASIC interprets the law  describing the principles underlying ASIC’s approach  giving practical guidance (e.g. describing the steps of a process such as applying for a licence or giving practical examples of how regulated entities may decide to meet their obligations). Information sheets: provide concise guidance on a specific process or compliance issue or an overview of detailed guidance. Reports: describe ASIC compliance or relief activity or the results of a research project. Document history This version was issued in November 2024 and is based on legislation and regulations as at the date of issue. In March 2026, we made amendments to reflect renamed Regulatory Guide 168 Product Disclosure Statements: Disclosure and other obligations (RG 168), insert Australian Financial Complaints Authority references in place of external dispute resolution (EDR) scheme reference and reflect current style and drafting practices. Previous versions:  Superseded Regulatory Guide 178, issued June 2012  Superseded Policy Statement 178, issued May 2004, rebadged as a regulatory guide 5 July 2007  Superseded Policy Statement 65 and PS 136.34(b) and PS 136.52 of Policy Statement 136 Managed investments: Discretionary powers and closely related schemes, rebadged as a regulatory guide 5 July 2007 Disclaimer This guide does not constitute legal advice. We encourage you to seek your own professional advice to find out how the Corporations Act and other applicable laws apply to you, as it is your responsibility to determine your obligations. Examples in this guide are purely for illustration; they are not exhaustive and are not intended to impose or imply particular rules or requirements. Page 3 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 3 Contents A Overview ........................................................................................... 4 Discretionary relief for FCIS operators .............................................. 4 Our approach to granting relief .......................................................... 5 Types of relief available ..................................................................... 5 How to apply for relief ........................................................................ 5 Complying with the conditions of relief .............................................. 6 B Our approach to granting relief ...................................................... 8 General approach .............................................................................. 8 ‘Sufficient equivalence’ of overseas regulatory regime ..................... 9 Effective cooperation arrangements ................................................ 11 Investor access to rights and remedies ........................................... 13 C Types of relief available ................................................................ 14 General approach ............................................................................ 14 Registration relief ............................................................................. 15 Licensing relief ................................................................................. 16 Product disclosure relief .................................................................. 19 D How to apply for relief ................................................................... 21 What you need to do ........................................................................ 21 What information will we require? .................................................... 22 Additional information ...................................................................... 24 Processing your application ............................................................. 24 E Complying with the conditions of relief ...................................... 26 Standard regulatory conditions ........................................................ 26 Standard investor protection conditions .......................................... 28 Further conditions for product disclosure relief................................ 30 Tailored conditions of relief .............................................................. 31 Summary of our relief for an FCIS operator .................................... 31 Appendix 1: What is an FCIS? ............................................................. 34 Appendix 2: Questions about an FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime .......................................................................... 36 Key terms ............................................................................................... 41 Related information ............................................................................... 44 Page 4 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 4 A Overview Key points ASIC can grant discretionary relief to foreign collective investment scheme (FCIS) operators authorised in other jurisdictions, to enable them to operate in Australia without being subject to all the usual regulatory requirements. We may give three types of relief to an FCIS operator: • registration relief; • licensing relief; and • product disclosure relief. This guide discusses: • our approach to granting relief (see Section B); • the types of relief available (see Section C); • how to obtain relief (see Section D); and • complying with the conditions of relief (see Section E). Discretionary relief for FCIS operators RG 178.1 Generally, if you operate a ‘managed investment scheme’ (as collective investment schemes are known in Australia), you will be subject to certain regulatory requirements, including registration, licensing and product disclosure requirements, unless relief is granted. Note: The term ‘managed investment scheme’ does not include corporations: see Appendix 1. This guide also deals with relief for corporations that are investment companies. RG 178.2 Many collective investment schemes are ‘managed investment schemes’ under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act). They are regulated by ASIC under Chs 5C and 7, which require: (a) some managed investment schemes to be registered and to conform with certain structural and compliance requirements (registration requirements); (b) responsible entities of registered managed investment schemes (registered schemes) to be licensed (licensing requirements); and (c) certain disclosures to be made to retail investors who invest in registered managed investment schemes (product disclosure requirements). Note: In this guide, references to sections (s), chapters (Ch), divisions (Div) and parts (Pt) are to the Corporations Act, unless otherwise specified. References to regulations (reg) are to the Corporations Regulations 2001 (Corporations Regulations). Page 5 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 5 Our approach to granting relief RG 178.3 Section B discusses when we will use our exemption or modification powers to grant an FCIS operator relief. RG 178.4 Generally, this is only if: (a) the overseas regulatory regime which the FCIS operator is subject to, is sufficiently equivalent to the Australian regulatory regime for registered managed investment schemes or, for disclosure relief, its disclosure regulatory regime is sufficiently equivalent to the Australian disclosure regulatory regime (see RG 178.16–RG 178.28); Note: If a jurisdiction has been previously assessed as sufficiently equivalent, we will take this into account when assessing any future applications relating to that jurisdiction. (b) there are effective cooperation arrangements between the overseas regulatory authority and ASIC (see RG 178.29–RG 178.36); (c) adequate rights and remedies are practically available to Australian investors (see RG 178.37–RG 178.39); and (d) the FCIS operator meets all the conditions of relief for the relevant exemption (see Section E). Types of relief available RG 178.5 Section C of this guide describes the three types of relief available to an FCIS operator wishing to operate a scheme in Australia: registration relief, licensing relief and product disclosure relief. Relief may be provided for a class of entities (e.g. from a particular jurisdiction) or as individual relief, depending on the applicant(s). How to apply for relief RG 178.6 Section D sets out what an applicant needs to do to apply for relief. RG 178.7 We have also included two appendices to assist those wishing to apply for relief: (a) Appendix 1 sets out our interpretation of the Corporations Act as it applies to an FCIS. (b) Appendix 2 sets out examples of questions about an FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime that an applicant should generally address. RG 178.8 This guide deals only with applications for relief received from: (a) a body corporate that is an FCIS; (b) an operator of a managed investment scheme that is an FCIS; or (c) an industry association. Page 6 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 6 RG 178.9 If an overseas regulatory authority wishes to initiate an approval process for the purposes of obtaining relief for a group of FCIS operators regulated by them, it should contact us to express its interest and discuss an appropriate process. In considering an application from an overseas regulatory authority, we will be guided by the approach in Regulatory Guide 54 Principles for cross-border financial regulation (RG 54) and will consider whether it would be appropriate to pursue a mutual recognition arrangement with that authority in the circumstances. Note: New Zealand issuers wishing to offer securities or interests in collective investment schemes in Australia may do so under the trans-Tasman mutual recognition scheme, which allows an issuer to use one disclosure document prepared under regulations in New Zealand, provided that they comply with some minimal entry and ongoing requirements in Australia. For more information, see Regulatory Guide 190 Offering financial products in New Zealand and Australia under mutual recognition (RG 190). Issuers from the participating economies of the Asia Region Funds Passport may issue interests in collective investment schemes in Australia under the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Establishment and Implementation of the Asia Region Funds Passport. The Passport is a multilateral agreement that facilitates cross-border distribution of collective investment schemes among the participating economies of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and Thailand. For more information, see Regulatory Guide 138 Foreign passport funds (RG 138). Another example of a mutual recognition arrangement is the Declaration of Mutual Recognition entered into by ASIC and Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission. Under the declaration, each regulator agrees to reduce regulatory duplication around the sale of retail funds to investors in each other’s market. RG 178.10 We may provide an opportunity for public comment on a proposed granting of relief under this guide. For example, we may invite comment on whether there is any reason to believe that the overseas regulatory regime is not sufficiently equivalent to Australia’s regulatory regime. Complying with the conditions of relief RG 178.11 Standard conditions of relief will be imposed on all FCIS operators that have relief under this policy: see Section E. These standard conditions fall into two categories: (a) standard regulatory conditions; and (b) standard investor protection conditions. RG 178.12 The standard conditions are intended to: (a) provide enough information for us to assess whether the FCIS operator is complying with the conditions of its authorisation and other aspects of the overseas regulatory regime and to take appropriate action to remove relief from an FCIS operator when there is material non- compliance with the overseas regulatory regime; Page 7 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 7 (b) help investors resident in Australia to enforce their legal rights; and (c) help us enforce the law and our conditions of relief, both under our own powers and in cooperation with the FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory authority. RG 178.13 We may also impose further conditions on product disclosure relief and/or tailored conditions of relief in particular circumstances. Page 8 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 8 B Our approach to granting relief Key points For an FCIS operator to be eligible for conditional relief from registration and licensing requirements, and certain product disclosure requirements: • the relevant overseas regulatory regime must be sufficiently equivalent to the Australian regulatory regime; • the relevant overseas regulatory authority must have effective cooperation arrangements with ASIC; and • investors resident in Australia must have access to adequate rights and remedies. General approach RG 178.14 If an FCIS operator wishes to operate a managed investment scheme in Australia or offer its securities, we will provide conditional relief from registration and licensing requirements, and certain product disclosure requirements, to the FCIS operator where: (a) the relevant overseas regulatory regime is, and continues to be, sufficiently equivalent to the Australian regulatory regime for registered managed investment schemes or, for disclosure relief, its disclosure regulatory regime is sufficiently equivalent to the Australian disclosure regulatory regime (see RG 178.16–RG 178.28); (b) we have effective cooperation arrangements with the relevant overseas regulatory authority (see RG 178.29–RG 178.36); and (c) adequate rights and remedies are practically available to investors who are resident in Australia if the FCIS operator breaches the relevant provisions of its overseas regulatory regime or, for disclosure relief, its disclosure regulatory regime (see RG 178.37–RG 178.39). Note: For details on how to apply for relief, see Section D. For details on conditions of relief, see Section E. RG 178.15 Our approach to granting relief to an FCIS operator from the Corporations Act provisions is guided by RG 54 and the IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation. Page 9 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 9 ‘Sufficient equivalence’ of overseas regulatory regime RG 178.16 Relief may mean that the integrity of Australian markets and the protection of investors resident in Australia depend on an overseas regulatory regime. To ensure that there are no regulatory or enforcement gaps, it is important that the relevant overseas regulatory regime delivers regulatory outcomes sufficiently equivalent to our own regulatory regime. RG 178.17 We have derived our outcomes-based test for being ‘sufficiently equivalent’ from Principle 1 of RG 54. In doing so, we consider equivalence largely from the point of view of: (a) the protection of investors resident in Australia; (b) the integrity of Australian markets; and (c) the reduction of systemic risk in the Australian financial system. RG 178.18 The following criteria are used to assess equivalence. Regulation by an overseas regulatory regime responsible for an FCIS is sufficiently equivalent to regulation by ASIC if that overseas regulatory regime: (a) is clear, transparent and certain (see RG 178.19–RG 178.20); (b) is consistent with the IOSCO Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Principles and the IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation (see RG 178.21–RG 178.22); (c) is adequately enforced in the home jurisdiction (see RG 178.23– RG 178.25); and (d) achieves the investor protection and market integrity outcomes that the Australian regulatory regime seeks to achieve for registered managed investment schemes (see RG 178.26–RG 178.28). Clear, transparent and certain RG 178.19 The equivalence test means that we will assess the outcomes of the overseas regulatory regime against those of the Australian regime. This includes testing whether the overseas regime is: (a) a ‘clear’ regulatory regime—that is, one that is clearly articulated and easily understood; (b) a ‘transparent’ regulatory regime—that is, where the rules, policies and practices are readily available to, and known by, all relevant persons; and (c) a ‘certain’ regulatory regime—that is, one that is consistently applied and is not subject to indiscriminate application or changes. Note: See Principle 7 of RG 54 for further details. Page 10 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 10 RG 178.20 To facilitate our assessment of an overseas regulatory regime, we may require either: (a) an English translation of any relevant parts of the regulatory regime; and/or (b) independent verification of the relevant details of the regulatory regime. Note: If we seek verification of any English translation or other relevant details of an overseas regulatory regime, we will require the applicant to meet the costs of such verification. Consistent with IOSCO CIS Principles and IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation RG 178.21 We require an overseas regulatory regime to be consistent with the IOSCO CIS Principles and IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation. In assessing whether an overseas regulatory regime meets these standards, we will consider whether: (a) the overseas regulatory authority has assessed its regulatory regime against the IOSCO CIS Principles and IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation and has reasonably determined that the regulatory regime broadly complies with them; and (b) other international organisations have assessed the regulatory regime against the IOSCO CIS Principles and IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation and have reasonably determined that the regulatory regime broadly complies with them. For example, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Financial Stability Board all assess national financial systems against these objectives and principles. RG 178.22 The Australian regulatory regime is measured against, and complies with, the IOSCO CIS Principles and the IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation. An overseas regulatory regime would need to share a similar regulatory philosophy. Adherence to these objectives and principles would be an indication, at least at a high level, of equivalence. Note: See Principle 8 of RG 54 for further details. Adequately enforced RG 178.23 A regulatory regime is adequately enforced if the regulatory authority: (a) has sufficient powers of investigation and enforcement; (b) has sufficient resources to use those powers; (c) uses those powers and resources consistently to promote compliance with its regulatory regime; and (d) operates within a legal system that is independent and has a well- founded reputation for integrity. Page 11 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 11 RG 178.24 We will assess the adequacy of an overseas regulatory regime’s enforcement capability with reference to: (a) the international reputation of that regulatory regime; (b) any IOSCO assessments of the regulatory regime, including any self- assessments or assessments by other IOSCO members; and (c) any generally available assessments of the regulatory regime by international financial institutions or other international organisations, such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Financial Sector Assessment Program reports. RG 178.25 It is unlikely that an overseas regulatory regime that is infrequently or inconsistently enforced will provide sufficiently equivalent regulatory outcomes to the Australian regulatory regime. An inadequately enforced regulatory regime will not reliably maintain market integrity or protect investors. Note: See Principle 9 of RG 54 for further details. Achieving investor protection and market integrity outcomes RG 178.26 Whatever its regulatory mechanisms, a sufficiently equivalent regulatory regime must achieve regulatory outcomes that are assessed as sufficiently equivalent to the Australian regulatory regime. We will assess whether these outcomes are sufficiently equivalent from the perspective of Australian investors, Australian markets and the Australian financial system. RG 178.27 In assessing equivalence, we will consider the particular regulatory outcomes achieved by the Australian regime concerning: (a) the registration of managed investment schemes and licensing of responsible entities when registration and licensing relief are sought; and (b) the fundraising or financial product disclosure provisions when disclosure relief is sought. RG 178.28 The outcomes achieved by the Australian regulatory regime through scheme registration and licensing are set out at RG 178.46–RG 178.47. The outcomes achieved through our regulation of product disclosure are set out at RG 178.67. Note: See Principle 10 of RG 54 for further details. Effective cooperation arrangements RG 178.29 We will grant relief only if we are satisfied that there are effective cooperation arrangements between the relevant overseas regulatory authority and ASIC. This is a matter for ASIC to decide, in consultation with the relevant overseas regulatory authority. It cannot be dealt with by FCIS operators in an application for relief. Page 12 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 12 RG 178.30 Effective cooperation arrangements will usually be in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or some other documented arrangement, although they may be established or supplemented by less formal arrangements. RG 178.31 Effective cooperation arrangements will provide for: (a) the prompt sharing of information by the relevant overseas regulatory authority; and (b) effective cooperation on: (i) supervision and investigation; and (ii) enforcement. RG 178.32 We will also rely on effective cooperation arrangements with the relevant overseas regulatory authority to help inform us of: (a) significant changes to the authorisation, licence or registration of an FCIS operator; (b) significant exemptions or other relief an FCIS operator may obtain from the overseas regulatory regime; (c) significant changes to the overseas regulatory regime; and (d) significant investigation, enforcement or other disciplinary activity against an FCIS operator operating in Australia with the benefit of relief under this guide. Note: We will also impose conditions on FCIS operators to ensure, among other things, that they notify us of any significant investigation, enforcement or disciplinary action against them in an overseas jurisdiction: see RG 178.82. RG 178.33 Effective cooperation arrangements help us to be confident that the overseas regulatory authority will, if requested by us, take appropriate action to protect investors resident in Australia, maintain the integrity of Australian markets for financial services and financial products, and reduce systemic risk in the Australian financial system. These actions should be as effective as actions the overseas regulatory authority would take to protect investors and the integrity of markets, and reduce systemic risk in its own jurisdiction. RG 178.34 We consider that, particularly in the supervision of FCIS operators, effective cooperation arrangements with the overseas regulatory authority will mean that we have direct and continuing access to the relevant officers of that authority to enable prompt exchange of information and effective cooperation. RG 178.35 Generally, effective cooperation arrangements will not be possible unless the overseas regulatory authority has the power under its regulatory regime to cooperate with us in these ways. Page 13 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 13 RG 178.36 When assessing whether we have effective cooperation arrangements with an overseas regulatory authority, we will take into account whether: (a) there are supervisory cooperation arrangements between the overseas regulatory authority and ASIC that are consistent with the IOSCO Principles Regarding Cross-Border Supervisory Cooperation; Note: These principles provide a framework for regulators seeking to establish supervisory cooperation agreements. Supervisory cooperation involves the day-to-day exchange of information for general supervisory and oversight purposes (i.e. not just for enforcement purposes). (b) the overseas regulatory authority is a signatory to Appendix A of the IOSCO Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Consultation and Cooperation and the Exchange of Information (IOSCO MMOU); and Note: The IOSCO MMOU sets an international benchmark for cross-border cooperation between securities regulators on enforcement matters. In general, we consider IOSCO MMOU Appendix A signatory status as a good indicator of effective cooperation. However, we will also consider IOSCO MMOU Appendix B signatory status as an indicator together with the particular circumstances of the relevant overseas regulatory authority. (c) there is an existing MOU between the overseas regulatory authority and ASIC that creates an effective cooperation arrangement. Note: See Principle 3 of RG 54 for further details. Investor access to rights and remedies RG 178.37 We consider that investors acquiring interests in an FCIS in Australia should have practical access to rights and remedies that are equivalent to the rights and remedies available to investors in comparable Australian managed investment schemes or bodies corporate. In assessing this, we will consider whether the investor is retail or wholesale. RG 178.38 Under the Corporations Act, retail investors in registered managed investment schemes have access to non-judicial remedies. Under s912A(2), the responsible entity of a registered scheme must have a dispute resolution system comprised of an internal dispute resolution (IDR) and membership of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). RG 178.39 In some instances, an FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime will not give investors in Australia practical access to rights and remedies equivalent to those available in comparable Australian managed investment schemes or bodies corporate. In these circumstances, we will require the FCIS operator to comply with a modified version of those parts of the Australian regulatory regime that relate to remedies. For example, in these circumstances, we may require FCIS operators to become a member of AFCA: see RG 178.93. Note: See Principle 5 of RG 54 for further details. Page 14 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 14 C Types of relief available Key points There are three types of relief available to an FCIS operator wishing to operate in Australia: registration relief, licensing relief and product disclosure relief. Relief may be provided for a class of entities (e.g. from a particular jurisdiction) or as individual relief. General approach RG 178.40 Relief for a class of entities or individual relief may be available. Relief for a class of entities may involve multiple applications, a joint application or an application through an industry association for a group of FCIS regulated by a particular overseas regulatory authority. Individual relief is specific to a particular FCIS operator and its intended operation in Australia. RG 178.41 We may give three types of relief under the Corporations Act to an FCIS operator wishing to operate a scheme in Australia (see Table 1): (a) registration relief—that is, relief from the requirement under s601ED for an FCIS to be registered in Australia; (b) licensing relief—that is, relief from the requirement under s911A(1) for an FCIS operator to hold an Australian financial services (AFS) licence for certain activities; and (c) product disclosure relief—that is, relief from the requirement for disclosure under Pt 7.9 or Ch 6D. Table 1: Types of relief available to an FCIS operator Type of relief Nature of relief Conditions of relief Registration relief Relief from the requirement under s601ED for an FCIS to be registered in Australia. Standard conditions of relief for all FCIS operators: see RG 178.82–RG 178.93. Tailored conditions may be imposed, as appropriate, for particular FCIS operators: see RG 178.95–RG 178.96. Licensing relief Relief from the requirement under s911A(1) for an FCIS operator to hold an AFS licence for certain activities. Standard conditions of relief for all FCIS operators: see RG 178.82–RG 178.93. Tailored conditions may be imposed, as appropriate, for particular FCIS operators: see RG 178.95–RG 178.96. Page 15 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 15 Type of relief Nature of relief Conditions of relief Product disclosure relief Relief from the requirement for disclosure under Pt 7.9 or Ch 6D. Standard conditions of relief for all FCIS operators: see RG 178.82–RG 178.93. Specific conditions for product disclosure relief: see RG 178.94. Tailored conditions may be imposed, as appropriate, for particular FCIS operators: see RG 178.95–RG 178.96 Registration relief RG 178.42 Under s601QA, we have the power to exempt a person from the provisions of Ch 5C. We can therefore exempt an FCIS operator from the statutory requirement for registration of a managed investment scheme under s601ED. RG 178.43 Relief from s601ED will give an FCIS operator an exemption from the obligations to comply with Ch 5C and the associated requirements for registered schemes operating in Australia. For example: (a) the provisions relating to the register of members in Ch 2C; and (b) the financial reporting requirements in Ch 2M. RG 178.44 Where a managed investment scheme is not registered because of registration relief, the provisions for periodic reports (s1017D) and cooling off (Div 5 of Pt 7.9) will not apply. This is appropriate where product disclosure relief is also provided under this guide. Where it is not, we will require compliance with s1017D and Div 5 of Pt 7.9 as if the FCIS were a registered scheme. When will we give registration relief? RG 178.45 We will provide relief from s601ED when the criteria in RG 178.14 are met. In particular, we will grant relief from s601ED if the overseas regulatory regime of the FCIS operator delivers regulatory outcomes sufficiently equivalent to the Australian regulatory regime for registered schemes, including the licensing of responsible entities. Regulatory outcomes for registration relief RG 178.46 When assessing the FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime for the purposes of giving relief from s601ED, we will measure the equivalence of the overseas regulatory regime against the following regulatory outcomes. The overseas regulatory regime must promote the following outcomes: (a) scheme operators and promoters, and their representatives, act efficiently, honestly and fairly; Page 16 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 16 (b) scheme operators and promoters, and their representatives, act with due care and skill, and in the best interests of investors; (c) scheme operators and their representatives are competent; (d) scheme operators have sufficient financial and other resources to operate the scheme; (e) investors can understand the nature of their interests in the scheme and their legal rights; and (f) client assets are protected from the risk of loss and insolvency of the operator of the scheme. RG 178.47 These outcomes reflect the underlying aims of the managed investments regime and the responsible entity licensing regime in the Corporations Act (including the dealing and custodial aspects of Pt 7.6) other than for product disclosure. Licensing relief RG 178.48 Under Australian law, if a managed investment scheme is registered (i.e. a retail scheme), its operator must have an AFS licence to operate a registered scheme under Pt 7.6. If the scheme is not registered (i.e. a wholesale scheme), the operator may still require a licence to operate a custodial or depository service. In the course of operating a managed investment scheme, whether or not it is registered, the operator may also require a licence to: (a) deal in the interests in the scheme; (b) deal in any financial products that it deals in on behalf of members of the scheme (i.e. the scheme assets); or (c) provide financial product advice about interests in the scheme. RG 178.49 An FCIS operator may be eligible for exemptions under the Corporations Act and Corporations Regulations for the following activities: (a) marketing interests in the FCIS to investors through a licensed Australian intermediary (see s911A(2)(b)); (b) giving general advice to retail investors by means of a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) (see s766B(1A) and 766B(9)); (c) giving advice to investors by means of certain advertisements (see s911A(2)(k) and reg 7.6.01(1)(o)); and (d) providing financial services to wholesale clients where the overseas regulation of those financial services has been recognised under the Corporations Act. Page 17 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 17 When will we give licensing relief? RG 178.50 If the FCIS operator has relief from the registration requirement in s601ED, we may also use our exemption power in s911A(2)(l) to grant relief to an FCIS operator from the requirement to hold an AFS licence for the following activities: (a) dealing in financial products that are scheme assets on behalf of its investors other than by issuing financial products; (b) dealing in derivatives or foreign exchange contracts for the purpose of managing a financial risk to the FCIS that arises in the course of its operation if dealings in derivatives or foreign exchange contracts with clients in Australia is not a significant part of the FCIS operator’s business; and (c) holding scheme assets that are financial products or beneficial interests in financial products (i.e. providing a custodial or depository service). RG 178.51 We will use our exemption power in s911A(2)(l) to give relief to an FCIS operator from the requirement to hold an AFS licence in order to provide general advice about interests in the FCIS in an offer document that must be supplied, in place of a PDS or a prospectus, under our relief for product disclosure: see RG 178.62–RG 178.67. We will treat the offer document as if it were an exempt document (e.g. a PDS). RG 178.52 For other activities, an FCIS operator must be licensed under the AFS licensing regime, unless an exemption applies: see RG 178.49. Dealing and custodial and depository services RG 178.53 In managing scheme assets that are financial products on behalf of investors in Australia, FCIS operators may be subject to the requirement to hold an AFS licence authorising them to deal in a financial product, or provide a custodial or depository service, even if those assets are not located in Australia: see s911D, 766A(1) and 766C. RG 178.54 Before we register a managed investment scheme, we need to be satisfied that the proposed responsible entity of the scheme has the appropriate AFS licence authorisations to operate the scheme. The licensing regime aims to promote appropriate dealings in and custody of scheme assets, including assets that are financial products. When assessing whether the FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime is sufficiently equivalent for the purposes of registration relief, we will take into account whether the FCIS’s overseas regulatory regime for dealing and custody achieves the outcomes we identify in RG 178.46–RG 178.47. This is because dealing in and custody of scheme assets are integral to the operation of a managed investment scheme. Page 18 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 18 RG 178.55 If the FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime is sufficiently equivalent for the purposes of registration relief, we will generally also give the FCIS operator relief from the requirement to hold an AFS licence to: (a) provide a financial service to investors by dealing in financial products; or (b) hold financial products or beneficial interests in financial products on trust for or on behalf of investors. Note: We will not give the FCIS operator relief from the obligation to hold an AFS licence to issue interests in the FCIS: see RG 178.59(b). Issuing derivatives and foreign exchange contracts RG 178.56 Regulation 7.6.01(1)(m) provides that a person does not need an AFS licence for dealings in derivatives or foreign exchange contracts for the purpose of managing risks arising from the ordinary course of a business, where the person does not deal in derivatives or foreign exchange contracts as a significant part of their business. However, this exemption only applies to persons who act on their own behalf. In general, if a person is acting on behalf of another, an AFS licence may be needed to protect the interests of those for whom the person acts. RG 178.57 We will give the same exemption from the requirement to hold an AFS licence as applies under reg 7.6.01(l)(m) to the operators of an FCIS who have been given registration relief. However, unlike in reg 7.6.01(l)(m), we will allow the dealing to be entered into on behalf of others. This is because we only give an FCIS operator registration and AFS licensing relief if we are satisfied that the overseas regulatory regime sufficiently protects the FCIS’s investors in any event. General advice in foreign offer documents RG 178.58 An FCIS operator may use a substitute offer document regulated under its overseas regulatory regime, rather than a PDS or, for foreign investment companies, a prospectus if it is granted product disclosure relief. If a substitute offer document is given because of relief under this guide, we will treat that document as if it were an exempt document under s766B. As a result, no AFS licence is needed for giving the document if it only contains general advice. Licensing requirements for other financial services RG 178.59 If the FCIS operator wishes to provide any financial services not covered by an exemption or by the specific relief described above, the FCIS operator must have an AFS licence to offer its financial services in Australia. Examples of activities that will require a licence include: (a) the provision of financial product advice (other than general advice in an offer document provided in accordance with our relief relating to interests in the FCIS); and (b) the issue of interests in the FCIS by the FCIS operator to investors other than under an intermediary authorisation under s911A(2)(b). Page 19 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 19 RG 178.60 Although we recognise that FCIS operators will often be subject to another regulatory regime for such financial services, we consider that an AFS licence is required for providing such financial services in Australia. RG 178.61 An FCIS operator may be eligible for an exemption for other financial services it provides to wholesale clients, where the FCIS operator is regulated by an overseas regulatory authority that is recognised for that service under the Corporations Act. Product disclosure relief RG 178.62 We can give exemptions from, or modify, the operation of Pt 7.9, which governs product disclosure to retail investors, and Ch 6D, which governs disclosure about corporate fundraising: see s1020F and 741. We offer broad relief from Pt 7.9 and Ch 6D if the FCIS operator prepares its offer document for retail investors under a sufficiently equivalent regulatory regime. When will we give product disclosure relief? RG 178.63 We will give product disclosure relief if we are satisfied that the criteria in RG 178.14 are met. In particular, we will grant product disclosure relief if the regulatory regime governing the FCIS offer document achieves sufficiently equivalent outcomes for Australian retail investors as under Pt 7.9 or Ch 6D: see RG 178.67. Note: If we consider that the disclosure regulatory regime in an FCIS operator’s home jurisdiction is no longer sufficiently equivalent, we will generally revoke the FCIS operator’s relief. We will endeavour to notify the FCIS operator before removing the benefit of relief on this basis. What product disclosure relief will we give? RG 178.64 The product disclosure relief is from Pt 7.9 or Ch 6D and generally includes the PDS and prospectus requirements, and the requirement for ongoing product disclosure. However, to ensure that investors have practical access to the same legal rights and remedies as for an Australian managed investment scheme, we will not give relief from certain legislative provisions in Pt 7.9, and will apply them as if the relevant offer document were a PDS. These provisions of the Corporations Act are: (a) s1018A (advertising); and (b) s1020E (ASIC’s power to issue a stop order). Note: Where we give relief from Ch 6D for a foreign investment company, we will include conditions to this effect. Page 20 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 20 RG 178.65 We consider that the restrictions on advertising in s1018A will not affect advertising of FCIS products outside Australia, if the advertising does not target persons in Australia. We consider that an offer document or advertisement is targeting persons in Australia if it: (a) is published, distributed or made available in ways or locations that are calculated to draw it to the attention of persons in Australia; (b) contains material that is specifically relevant to persons in Australia; or (c) relates to an offer made in Australia by any other means, unless it relates to an advertisement in a foreign publication that has incidental circulation in Australia. Note: See Regulatory Guide 141 Offers of securities on the internet (RG 141) for guidance on our approach to internet offers of financial products generally. RG 178.66 The provisions of our stop order power are preserved so that we can enforce Australian laws. However, the provisions in Pt 6D.3 and Div 7 of Pt 7.9 (dealing with matters such as civil remedies and criminal penalties) will not apply. This is because, if we give relief, it implies that the FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime should provide an equivalent means of enforcement. Regulatory outcomes for product disclosure relief RG 178.67 In assessing the FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime for the purpose of giving relief from Pt 7.9 or Ch 6D, we consider that the overseas regulatory regime must: (a) promote confident and informed decision making by investors about the suitability of a financial product for them; and (b) ensure that investors are given all the information they reasonably require to make a decision about whether to buy, sell or hold the relevant financial product. Note: See Principle 10 of RG 54 for further details. Page 21 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 21 D How to apply for relief Key points We require certain information to be provided in assessing an application for relief. The information required for us to assess an application is outlined in Appendix 2. Occasionally, we may need to ask for additional information. To properly assess an application for relief, we need to understand how managed investments are regulated in the relevant overseas regulatory regime. What you need to do RG 178.68 The process for relief varies depending on the type of FCIS operator seeking relief. The different processes are set out in Table 2. Table 2: How to apply for relief Category How to apply for relief FCIS operators from jurisdictions where relief has been given to a class of entities (e.g. from a particular jurisdiction) under RG 178 FCIS operators regulated by overseas regulatory regimes that we have assessed as meeting the criteria in RG 178.14 and who seek to rely on this relief must comply with the requirements in RG 178.72 and Section E of this guide. FCIS operators from New Zealand should refer to Ch 8 and RG 190 for details of the trans-Tasman mutual recognition scheme. FCIS operators from the participating economies of the Asia Region Funds Passport should refer to Ch 8A and RG 138 for details of the Passport. FCIS operators from jurisdictions not previously assessed under RG 178 and where no relief for a class of entities applies The applicant will have to make an application that complies with RG 178.74–RG 178.76. RG 178.69 To apply for relief, lodge the application through the ASIC Regulatory Portal. Make sure your application: (a) includes all the information in RG 178.74–RG 178.75; (b) complies with Regulatory Guide 51 Applications for relief (RG 51); and (c) includes the prescribed fee (see Information Sheet 30 Fees for commonly lodged documents (INFO 30)). You can also contact us online (or phone +61 3 5177 5407 if dialling from overseas) for further information and assistance if needed. Note: See Information Sheet 93 Practical guidance for operators of foreign collective investment schemes (INFO 93) for additional guidance. Page 22 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 22 RG 178.70 If you want to take advantage of any existing relief for a class of entities (e.g. from a particular jurisdiction), you must notify us: (a) as soon as practicable; and (b) in writing, addressed to Applications@asic.gov.au. Note: The usual application fees do not apply. RG 178.71 By relying on this relief, you are agreeing to comply with all of the conditions attached to that relief. What information will we require? Where a relief for a class of entities applies RG 178.72 To rely on relief for a class of entities (e.g. from a particular jurisdiction) in relation to the registration, licensing or product disclosure requirements, an FCIS operator must give ASIC certain documents, including: (a) evidence of the FCIS operator’s authorisation (e.g. written confirmation from the overseas regulatory authority that the scheme is authorised to operate in that jurisdiction); Note: We may be willing to rely on a publicly available register maintained by the overseas regulatory authority in lieu of written confirmation. (b) a deed of the FCIS operator, for the benefit of, and enforceable by, ASIC, the other persons referred to in s659B(1), and any investor in the FCIS who is resident in Australia, that provides that: (i) the deed is irrevocable, except with the prior written consent of ASIC (only to be given in exceptional circumstances); (ii) the FCIS operator submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian courts in legal proceedings conducted by ASIC (including under s50 of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001) or any investor in the FCIS who is resident in Australia and, in relation to proceedings relating to a financial services law, by any person referred to in s659B(1); (iii) the FCIS operator agrees to comply with any order of an Australian court on any matter concerning the provision of the financial services; and (iv) the FCIS operator agrees that, on written request of either its overseas regulatory authority or ASIC, it will give written consent and take all other practicable steps to enable its overseas regulatory authority to disclose to ASIC, and ASIC to disclose to the overseas regulatory authority, any information or document that they have concerning the FCIS operator; Page 23 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 23 (c) written consents to the disclosure by the FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory authority to ASIC, and ASIC to the overseas regulatory authority, of any information or document they have concerning the FCIS operator (the consents must be in such form (if any) as ASIC specifies in writing); (d) the most recent financial statements of any FCIS proposed to be operated in Australia, any audit report, and any subsequent public disclosures by that FCIS about its financial position or compliance with the overseas regulatory regime or disclosure regulatory regime; (e) a copy of the most recent offer document relating to the FCIS; (f) a copy of the constitution or other governing rules of the FCIS; (g) a description of how the FCIS operator will plan for, monitor and assess its compliance with the conditions of any relief and any Australian laws to which it will be subject; (h) a description of the FCIS operator’s intended financial services activities in Australia; and (i) information about the interests in the FCIS that the FCIS operator intends to issue in Australia and how it plans to seek members in Australia. RG 178.73 We may exclude the relief from applying to an FCIS operator if we consider that the objectives of this policy are not satisfied at any time, whether on the basis of the information provided under RG 178.72, because information that we request is not provided, or otherwise. The relief will automatically lapse if there is a material non-compliance with any condition and the operator is or should be aware of the non-compliance, unless we notify the operator that the relief continues (on conditions or otherwise). Where no relief for a class of entities applies RG 178.74 To apply for individual registration, licensing or product disclosure relief, a person seeking relief should check whether there are any effective cooperation arrangements between ASIC and their overseas regulatory authority. In general, if such an arrangement exists, the applicant should provide documentation demonstrating that, because of regulation in their home jurisdiction, they are entitled to the relief under this guide: see Table 5 in Appendix 2. Where product disclosure relief is sought, applicants should also address the matters in Table 6 in Appendix 2. RG 178.75 At the time of application, the applicant should also provide ASIC with all the information that would be required if relief had been granted relating to the FCIS operator’s overseas regulatory regime: see RG 178.72. Note: See INFO 93 for additional guidance. Page 24 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 24 Notifying your overseas regulatory authority RG 178.76 We will ask the applicant for consent to allow us to notify their overseas regulatory authority of any information we have, including the fact of their application or reliance on relief for a class of entities (e.g. from a particular jurisdiction). In notifying the FCIS operator’s relevant overseas regulatory authority, we may, for example: (a) inform them about the content of the application; and (b) ask them questions about the applicant. Additional information RG 178.77 All information and documents provided in an application or in reliance on relief for a class of entities (e.g. from a particular jurisdiction) must be in English. If they are not in English, a certified translation must be provided if required by ASIC. We may ask for an independent expert’s verification of information provided about the overseas regulatory regime, to be provided at the applicant’s cost. Verification RG 178.78 We will require an officer of the applicant, with the capacity to bind the applicant to: (a) declare that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure that, to the best of their knowledge, the information supplied in and with the application is complete and accurate; and (b) acknowledge that we may take action to verify that the statements and certifications made in the application are not false or misleading. Processing your application RG 178.79 The time it will take us to decide whether to grant relief will depend on the complexity of the application and the difficulty of assessing the equivalence of the overseas regulatory regime to the Australian regime. RG 178.80 For an application for relief by an FCIS operator or an industry association, we will aim to process applications within 16 weeks of receiving all the information and documents required. RG 178.81 It may take us longer to deal with an application if: (a) the application is particularly complex; Page 25 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 25 (b) we negotiate cooperation arrangements with the relevant overseas regulatory authority; (c) we experience delays in obtaining the information we require from the applicant, the overseas regulatory authority or the independent overseas expert; or (d) we are waiting for a response to a request for further information. Page 26 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 26 E Complying with the conditions of relief Key points Standard conditions of relief apply to registration, licensing and product disclosure relief for FCIS operators operating in Australia. These conditions fall into two categories: standard regulatory conditions and standard investor protection conditions. We may also impose further conditions on product disclosure relief and/or tailored conditions of relief in particular circumstances. Standard regulatory conditions RG 178.82 We will apply the following regulatory conditions to any relief granted: (a) relief will continue only while the relevant conduct of the FCIS operator is authorised under its overseas regulatory regime; Note: For our interpretation of ‘authorised’, see RG 178.83–RG 178.84. (b) the FCIS operator must notify us as soon as practicable and in any event within 15 business days from the date it knew or should reasonably have known of the following notifiable matters: (i) any significant change to the authorisation granted by the relevant overseas regulatory authority relating to the operation of the FCIS, including any exemptions or other relief granted to the FCIS operator; and (ii) the details of each significant investigation, disciplinary or enforcement action against the FCIS operator in an overseas jurisdiction; Note: For a discussion of what we mean by ‘significant’ investigation, enforcement or disciplinary action, see RG 178.85–RG 178.86. (c) the FCIS operator must register as a foreign company under Div 2 of Pt 5B.2 (and appoint a local agent under s601CF); Note: If the FCIS operator is not registrable as a foreign company under Div 2 of Pt 5B.2, we will need to impose tailored conditions to ensure that Australian investors are adequately protected. (d) the FCIS operator must submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian courts in regard to any matter concerning the FCIS; (e) the FCIS operator must comply with any direction of an Australian court; (f) the FCIS operator must give written consent and take all other practicable steps to enable its overseas regulatory authority to disclose to ASIC, and ASIC to disclose to its overseas regulatory authority, any information or document they have that relates to the FCIS operator; and Page 27 REGULATORY GUIDE 178: Foreign collective investment schemes © Australian Securities and Investments Commission November 2024 Page 27 (g) the FCIS operator must promptly give ASIC each annual financial statement of each FCIS operated under the exemption when the financial statement is published, together with any associated audit and other reports. What do we mean by ‘authorised’? RG 178.83 We consider an FCIS operator to be authorised to operate an FCIS if it: (a) may lawfully operate the FCIS in its home jurisdiction because of any licence, approval, authorisation or registration by its overseas regulatory authority; and Note: The FCIS operator must be positively authorised to operate an FCIS and not be merely permitted to operate an FCIS because it is exempt under its overseas regulatory regime from requiring an AFS licence or other regulatory permission to operate the FCIS. (b) is subject to continuing regulatory oversight of how it operates the FCIS by its overseas regulatory authority. RG 178.84 If an FCIS’s authorisation to operate as a collective investment scheme in the home jurisdiction is lost or removed, relief will no longer apply. What do we mean by ‘significant’ investigation, enforcement or disciplinary action? RG 178.85 A condition of our relief is the requirement to notify us of any significant investigation, enforcement or disciplinary actions against the FCIS operator in any overseas jurisdiction that are relevant to the financial services the FCIS operator provides. RG 178.86 In determining whether an investigation, enforcement or disciplinary action is significant, FCIS operators should consider whether the investigation, enforcement or disciplinary action is serious enough that it may affect our assessment that the FCIS operator should continue to rely on relief from regulatory requirements under this guide. An investigation, enforcement or disciplinary action may be serious even if it relates to relatively minor breaches of the overseas regulatory regime, as those breaches may indicate inadequate compliance arrangements due to their number or frequency. Those unsure of whether an investigation, enforcement or disciplinary action is significant are encouraged to notify us of it. Note: An investigation, enforcement or disciplinary action in an overseas jurisdiction does not have to be completed before it m